Originally Posted by: HDJIsn't that the illegal practice of sharing software which has been cracked?

Yeah, I think that's what he's referring to.

Definitely not recommended. Especially if you use drum loops or samples. Most companies these days, make you sign a contract stating that the samples and sounds used in your recordings are royalty free.
They also employ musicologists to verify that you aren't violating any copyrights so you have to prove you actually paid for the loops and samples you used.
If you can't provide proof of payment, they won't accept your music. Plus it'll get around to other companies that you pirate your music and you get flagged as a risk.

I lost a $30,000 contract once cause I used a factory sample from Halion of a guy screaming one word, and couldn't find a copy of my receipt fast enough to prove I'd paid for the royalties. It took me 2 days to find it and by the time I'd faxed it to the advertising company, they'd already given the contract to somebody else. (which made for a majorly sucky day)
Now I keep detailed records to prove I've paid for everything.